The young Imps travelled to York for a Youth Alliance fixture to a team riding high at the top of the league.

Due to the wet weather that the region has suffered in the past few weeks the pitch was very slippery underfoot from the start and deteriorated as the game went on.

York started the brighter of the two teams and created several good chances which were thwarted by City's goalkeeper Nick Draper and some profligate finishing. Lincoln were finding it difficult to sustain any real pressure on the York goal and were limited to long range efforts from Nathan Adams.

The deadlock looked set to broken when York were awarded a penalty in the 18th minute for a trip in the box. Although the ball was well struck, Draper flung himself to his right to produce an excellent save. This seemed to act as a wakeup call to the Imps who started to get a foothold in the game.

Adams and Hutchinson linked up well and were starting to cause the opposition defence a few problems. Sam Turner was beginning to receive the ball in good areas on the right to cause problems and Jake Gibson, making his return from injury, gave us good balance and width on the left.

With the first half coming to a close the Imps opened the scoring. A right wing corner from Gibson was powerfully met by Graham Hutchison and his goal bound header was flicked in by Andy Hutchinson on the goal line for a typical strikers goal.

The second half started with the Imps well aware that York would come out and start strongly, which they did. They drew level in the 48th minute through a good finish from their striker.

As the game continued, the pitch became increasingly difficult to play on and both teams found it hard to put any passing sequences together. Chances were scarce for both teams, however York did have the better of the chances that did come along.

York took the lead when their right winger was allowed too much space and he finished with a good strike into the top corner. Lincoln responded with some good play in the York half involving Limb, Adams, Hutchinson and Wilson, who had replaced Turner at half-time, but failed to find an equaliser.

With the Imps searching for an equaliser, they were punished when they were caught short in defence and conceded a second penalty. This time the home player made no mistake from the spot.

A disappointing way to finish before the Christmas break but the lads worked hard throughout the game only to come up against a good York team.

Our next home game is to be played at Elsaforde Park, Sleaford on January 9th against Bradford City, kick-off 11.00am.

report by Grant Brown

City U18s: Nick Draper, Kieran Heap, Jack Thomas, Ryan Limb, Graham Hutchison, Jack Davies, Sam Turner (James Wilson h/t), Luca Coleman-Carr (Sam Downey 22), Nathan Adams, Andy Hutchinson, Jake Gibson (Rob Brewer 85). Subs (not used): Tom Thacker, Arran Brookbanks.